Crew Blog

Thoughts on nearing the end

28 June 2008

“How are you feeling?” was perhaps the most common question I heard at the last two stops, particularly among the”Round the Worlders”. “Can’t wait for the finish” was certainly the glib, first, answer, but it was usually followed by a”but”.

For my own part, I can’t wait for the finish. To complete the circumnavigation that has been a dream since I first read Joshua Slocum over 40 years ago. I also want to get back into the world again. To; give all the family a big hug, read to my grandchildren, have dinner with friends, shower every day, watch the news on telly, read a paper regularly, gather at the Oyster Bar with my mates while Mandy is at Guides, go shopping at the market on Saturday, and experiment with a new recipe on Sunday.

Yet it will be sad to leave. I have made lots of good mates, both on the BBB and on other boats. And this is a unique lifestyle. While at sea our life is driven by the routine of watches. The biggest decisions we have to make are which clothes to wear, and how best to trim the sails. We get three meals a day, and plenty of snacks. Cuppa’s come up regularly. Then we get to a port, and there is the excitement of discovering new places and meeting new people. Who would want to change that? I suspect some of my fellow travelers will find it very hard to settle back into the”real world”.

Would I do it again? I am now one of the elite circumnavigators, more rare than those brave souls that have climbed Mt. Everest…Would they ever do it again???

This is Bruce Macky on the BBB - Out

1. Nigel, Perth, W.A. 02 July 2008

Well said Bruce, and well done. All the best to everybody, especially the RTW’s. I hope you all adjust well to post-Clipper life and I look forward to meeting you again in the future. Who knows where? Somewhere on the ocean I hope.

2. Anne, Perth,WA 03 July 2008

As we count down to the very last race..GOOD LUCK and VERY BEST WISHES to everybody and as Nigel said especially the RTWers- you are indeed an elite group of people! I am so proud of having been part of the BBB experience and so wish I were there to wave you in on Saturday. Enjoy the last few days and take care as you meet your next challenge- life on shore!! I look forward to seeing some of you back in Oz- thanks for the wonderful memories- keep in touch, with love and hugs Anne xxxx

3. Willis Johnson, Lake Oconee, Georgia USA 03 July 2008

Bravo fellow Harvard grad! You’ve more then likely one upped any of our fellow classmates of PMD50. Unlikely anyone has a similar long term tale and something to share with the grandchildren for years to come.

Sorry y’all couldn’t repeat the last race victory by the Oz team...but at least it looks like the U.S. ship might win the overall race. That’s our tie, via Harvard and Boston, and will keep us as good friends throughout the remainder of our lives I hope.

Love on Mandy and the kids a lot...they need to know Dad is back and AOK!!!!

4. Margaret and John Heald, Great Eccleston 04 July 2008

Been a joy watching and following you day by day what will I do with the time gained I will fill it but miss it. As for Jack I am proud of what he has done and the new young man who is about to step ashore for the next chapter of his life will I feel be better equiped to follow his next dream.The rest of the big blue team have my thanks and respect for what they have done for the boat and Jack. Go your different ways but always remember your achievement.thank you Big Blue and Clipper.I am proud to be known as Jack’s Dad.God bless and god speed. Jand M.

5. corey rose, beverey 04 July 2008

hi jack & all the bbb crew. i’m going to missing reading about your adventures & checking where abouts you are.i wish you all the very best for the future. thank you for letting me help on the boat in freo at christmas. i will treasure my memories. i’ve got to wait another 10 years before i’m old enough to sign up for clipper. hope to see you soon jack & becky. lots of love to you all corey xx

6. Austin Rawcliffe, Manchester UK 05 July 2008

Welcome home Jack!
Its been a great pleasure following you around the world over the past year - What a trip!
We are delighted that you are back safe and sound
Congratulations and very best wishes for your future

Martin, Austin and all at St. James’s Place

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